How to set up a blog – First, you need to choose a domain name. The domain name is your address on the web. Ideally, your domain name should tell your visitors what your blog is about. Therefore, give this step some thought, but don’t get too hung up on this.
Below you will find a tool that allows you to check if your ideal domain name is available. If it is, be sure to grab it before someone else gets it!
Get Hosting
The hosting company is where your blog files live, so it’s a key step in setting up your blog.
If you want to set up your blog easily, then I’ll recommend Bluehost. It’s a great web hosting platform that offers users the best experience while setting up their blogs.
Also, Bluehost is recommended by WordPress, and the affordable pricing plans make it ideal for beginners. In addition to the affordable plans, you will get a free domain, and you will be able to run your affiliate links, advertisements and direct adverts via your blog.
Bluehost Pricing Plans
There are three Bluehost packages:
i. Basic (costs $2.95 per month)
ii. Plus (costs $5.95 per month)
iii. Choice Plus (costs $6.95 per month)
Benefits of Bluehost
• It’s easy to create a blog with Bluehost
• Bluehost offers technical great support
• You get a free blog domain name
• This web hosting provider enables you to monetize your site
• Bluehost allows you to save money with the cheapest plan starting at $2.75
How to set up a blog with Bluehost
1. Choose Your Hosting Plan
First, navigate to Bluehost homepage and click the “Get started now” button. The page will redirect you to the hosting packages.
Now, choose your package from the “Starter”, “Plus”, or “Business Pro” packages. If you want to host one website, then go for the “Starter” or “Plus” plan.
The Starter plan allows you only to host one website but limits you on other features such as subdomains, website space and email accounts.
How to Save Money on Hosting
On the other hand, the “Plus” plans give you an unlimited number of sites, email accounts and sub-domains. You will also enjoy $150 worth of marketing offers. We will be using the “Plus” package for our tutorial though you can choose any plan for your use.
2. Pick A Domain Name
Once you choose a hosting package, you prefer, get a domain name. Choose a domain name which is easier to remember, and short if possible.
Also, use .com as it’s the most common and is easier to remember. You can choose a domain name that is yourname.com or anything else.
But note that for you to use the domain name, it should not be occupied by another user. After you select the domain name, click the “Next” tab.
3. Enter Your Account Information
After you choose a domain name that hasn’t been occupied click the “Next” button. It will take you to a new screen where you can fill more information.
The first section is the “Account Information” tab and you will be required to fill your personal details including name, city, email address and more.
Use the correct email address as it’s the only avenue where you will receive direct communications regarding your blog.
4. Enter Your Package Information
The next section to fill out is your “Package Information”. The hosting plan you choose in the first step is already filled out here in the first book. Now, select the 12-month, 24-month or 36 months hosting plan.
The advantage of paying for more extended duration is you’ll be able to save more money.
You will also see other options to tick, including SiteLock Security, Site Backup and Domain Privacy. Leave the others and check the “Domain Privacy” tab to offer additional protection to your personal information.
5. Enter Your Billing Information
The billing information page is in the final stages of setup. Enter your payment details, including payment methods and your personal details. Check the box at the bottom to agree to the terms of service.
Finally, press the “Next” button and skip any upgrade prompt to complete your order. Once you complete the setup and pay for your hosting page, you’re good to start your new blog. You will receive information to your email on the logins for your site and other relevant information.
6. Install WordPress
The final step is installing WordPress on your site. Navigate to Bluehost homepage and click the “login” button.
To install WordPress, follow the instructions below:
i. Enter the login credentials you received in your email.
ii. Enter your username and password then press “Submit”. You will be taken to the Bluehost Control panel (CPanel) for your account.
iii. In the Cpanel, locate the “Simple scripts” page from the options and click “Blogs”. Choose “WordPress”, and you will be directed to a page with the “install” button. The first section shows you the site URL where you’ll install WordPress. Indicate your site address and include a slash at the end.
Administrative Details
iv. The second section is where you will fill your administrative details. Fill in the title of your WordPress site, i.e. you can use your domain name which you can change later.
v. Now, create your admin username, password and admin email. Use the email which you used to subscribe for hosting unless if you want to add a new one. Ensure you choose an admin username that is not easily guessable to prevent your site from being easily accessed by unauthorized individuals.
vi. Install the extra plugins or themes that are checked. Or you can leave them if you prefer to do it later.
Installation Complete
vii. Scroll down then tick the accept terms box at the bottom of the page and click “Complete’”. WordPress will initialize the installation process and once its complete it’ll pop up a “Success – Installation complete!” message
viii. Once the installation is complete, you will receive many URLs, but the most important is the “login URL” which you will always use to login to your WordPress account. You can find it at http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
ix. Use your WordPress credentials to access your account via this URL.
Bluehost is one of the best web hosting providers in the market. It also comes with more affordable plans and setting up a site with the platform is much easier.
Join Bluehost today and follow these simple steps to set up your blog faster and without any hassles.
Click below to Get Started:
Disclaimer: The links in this page are affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you buy through this link. However, your price remains the same.
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